Ed Mathews: Big crowds expected for Roar on the Shore

Ed Mathews

July 14, 2013 12:01 AM

Ed Mathews

July 14, 2013 12:01 AM

More than 100,000 visitors are expected in Erie this week for the annual Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally, which kicks off Thursday. North Park Row and South Park Row will be closed Tuesday through July 21 to accommodate the crowds. Kyle Petty will serve as grand marshal of the parade, while Danny "The Count" Koker, of the popular TV shows "Pawn Stars" and "Counting Cars," will also be on hand to meet with fans. We recall an early Roar on the Shore when actor Peter Fonda, son of Henry Fonda, led the parade. Peter Fonda had the reputation of being a rebel, but he greatly enjoyed chatting with Gen. Colin Powell, who was in Erie for the Manufacturer & Business Association dinner. ... Despite all of the problems that Pennsylvania State University has experienced since the Jerry Sandusky scandal, alumni giving keeps rising. It shows how loyal the university's alumni are. Three former Penn State administrators -- Graham Spanier, Gary Schultz and Tim Curley -- will have a preliminary hearing on July 29 in Harrisburg. The three-day hearing will determine if prosecutors have enough evidence to bind the matter over for trial. ... It is amazing that only two people were killed in the crash of the airliner at the San Francisco Airport. ... It appears that Teresa Heinz Kerry will recover from the seizure that landed her in critical condition. Her husband, Secretary of State John Kerry, had only been home for a couple of days at their summer place on Nantucket when she suddenly took ill. Teresa Heinz Kerry was a regular visitor to Erie before the death of her first husband, Sen. John Heinz, in 1991. ... Fred Haener sends word that the Haener Brothers Band, featuring soloist Brittany Barko, will give a free concert July 22 at the Mercy Terrance, 430 Grandview Blvd. They will play big band music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and others, beginning at 7 p.m. ... Neighborhood residents get a shock when they look out and see a bear on the loose, as happened in Millcreek last week. Luckily, wildlife officers were able to tranquilize the bear and release it at the state game lands. We have heard quite a few stories lately about deer and turkeys in residential areas. You must be careful with bears, of course, in case Mama is lurking around the corner. ... Gary Player, the 77-year-old pro golf great, is said to be posing nude for ESPN magazine. He's always been big into fitness. We recall seeing Player beat Jay Hebert in a tournament at Firestone. Hebert was the golf pro at Kahkwa at the time.